Health Department: No more free shots for adults with insurance

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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. -- Funding for public health clinics has changed who can get free vaccines.

317 funds allowed for free vaccines for adults who had health care, but couldn't afford to pay deductibles or co-pay.

As of March 1, that's changing, but officials hope people will continue to get necessary shots.

Dawnelle Marshall is the public health division director, and she says their mission is still the same. "We want to do what we can to prevent an illness or a disease," she said, "and so, one of the ways of doing that is through immunizations."

Adults are welcome to continue to get shots from the health department, but they must be able to pay the for the procedure during the visit, and can bill their insurance later.

The change does not affect children.

Kids who have no insurance, are underinsured, or on the Oregon Health Plan will still be able to get their shots for free.